2013 Buick Verano Preview

Blind-zone alert, rear-traffic alert, and rear-vision camera now available

Bluetooth is available with navigation radio

New optional turbocharged engine is available for 35% more power

Re-shuffled trim levels for 2013

Introduction

The 2013 Buick Verano is a 4-door compact entry-level luxury sedan with a gently curved profile. It's available in four trim levels: Base, Convenience, Leather, and Premium. The Verano was introduced for the 2012 model year, and for 2013 it offers a turbocharged engine as an option. The Verano shares a vehicle platform with the Chevrolet Cruze and European-market Opel Astra. Among the Verano's main competitors are the Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Audi A3, and Acura ILX.

Exterior Features

The 2013 Buick Verano is available in six standard and three premium colors. The base model features 18-inch aluminum wheels, blue translucent projector beam headlights, Buick's signature portholes on the top of the hood, a black chrome grille treatment, remote engine start, and fog lights. The Convenience Group adds heated side mirrors; the Leather Group adds keyless ignition and entry; the Premium Group adds a rear spoiler.

Interior Features

The base 2013 Verano features seats with grey or beige leatherette bolsters and fabric inserts with Leatherette bolsters, cruise control, power accessories, dual-zone automatic climate control, manually adjustable driver's seat, split-folding rear seats, and Buick's QuietTuning technology, which employs thicker window glass and extra sound-deadening materials that are designed to reduce wind and road noise. Also standard are a 7-inch touch-screen display, OnStar, Bluetooth, 6-speaker sound system CD player, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. The Convenience package includes power adjustments for the driver's seat (with manual recline), auto-dimming rearview mirror, and heated side mirrors. The Leather Group features leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and 9-speaker Bose sound system. The Premium Group includes styling refinements such as sport pedals. The Verano offers 15.2 cubic feet of trunk space.

Under the Hood

Two engines are available with the 2013 Verano. The standard power plant is a direct-injection, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with eAssist technology that produces 180 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shifters delivers power to the Verano's front wheels. With the Premium Group trim, the engine upgrades to a turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit that produces 250 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. With the turbocharged engine, a 6-speed manual transmission is optional.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Buick Verano are:

Verano with 2.4-liter engine: 21/32/25 mpg (city/highway/combined)

Verano Turbo with automatic transmission: 21/30/24 mpg

Verano Turbo with manual transmission: 20/31/24 mpg

Safety

Standard safety features on the 2013 Verano include anti-lock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front- and rear-seat side-impact air bags, front-seat knee air bags, and side curtain air bags. OnStar telematics are standard; the Convenience group adds a blind-spot warning system and rear park-assist sensors; other safety features, including a rearview camera and rear cross-traffic alert, are optional.

In government crash tests, the Verano received an overall rating of 5 (out of a possible 5) stars, plus 5 stars for front-impact protection and for side-impact protection, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Verano "Good" ratings, its highest, in roof strength, frontal offset, and side-impact tests. The IIHS has named the Buick Verano a "Top Safety Pick."

Technology

Buick has upgraded its IntelliLink system, which is standard in all Verano models. The 2013 version includes improved response to voice commands and a more comprehensively featured SiriusXM satellite radio, according to the automaker.Additional Research

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